Gillibrand Announces Farm-to-School Initiative for Poughkeepsie Schools

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Credit WAMC Photo by Dave Lucas

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has announced a federal grant of $100,000 that will go to the Poughkeepsie City School District to establish a farm-to-school initiative. More from WAMC's Dave Lucas.

Gillibrand says the initiative's primary goals are to incorporate regionally produced foods into school meals, and to enhance foods systems education.  At each stage in the project, there will be collaboration between Hudson Valley farmers, value-added processors, distributors, school administrative staff, families, students and community stakeholders. 

The funding is being allocated through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Gillibrand worked hard to include the farm-to-school initiative as part of the Healthy, Hunger Free Schools Act that passed in 2010.